What to Expect at Your First Visit to a Licensed Christian Counselor
Taking the step to visit a licensed Christian counselor may seem a little bit daunting. Understanding what to expect during your initial visit can help you feel more prepared and at ease. At Hope Counseling, we are here to make sure you have a great experience with counseling, starting with your first visit.
Scheduling Your Appointment
The first step is to book an appointment. Please feel free to fill out our online form to request an appointment or call our office at (440) 370-3007 to start the process. Our administrative staff are kind and will make you feel right at home. We may send you some forms ahead of time. Completing them ahead of time not only helps you prepare yourself for the meeting, it also helps your counselor be as prepared as possible. It’s also nice to get the paperwork out of the way so that you can focus on the counseling itself.
Our Office and Waiting Area
We are located directly across from the Cleveland Clinic in Amherst Ohio. You can see our building on the North side of Route 2 next to the Oak Point Road Exit. When you arrive, please enter through the front entrance. We have two offices on the main level as well as an office upstairs (people are often surprised that we have an upstairs office). There is water, coffee, and tea available in our waiting area. Please feel free to help yourself while you wait for your appointment If one of our counselors or administrative team members is nearby, they can answer any questions you have.
Note: We recommend arriving a few minutes early (5-10) so that we can begin your appointment on time. It also gives you time to get some tea or coffee.
Initial Greeting and Introduction
Your first session will begin with a warm greeting. Your counselor will introduce themselves and explain their role in guiding you through the counseling process. This introduction helps establish a comfortable atmosphere where you can start to build a trusting relationship.
Discussion of Your Goals for Counseling
You’ll spend a portion of your first session discussing why you’re seeking counseling. This is an opportunity for you to express your concerns, challenges, and what you hope to achieve. Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, stress, or spiritual questions, sharing your goals will help your counselor tailor the approach to meet your needs.
Integrating Faith into Counseling
While we provide clinical counseling to both Christians and non-Christians, many of our clients come to us specifically because we specialize in Christian counseling. As Christian counselors, we integrate your faith into the counseling process. This might involve discussing your spiritual beliefs and how they relate to your current struggles. We might also share how Christian principles will inform their counseling approach, offering a blend of clinical treatment and biblical direction. What is important to understand is that you let us know from the start how much you would like us to integrate biblical principles into the process.
If you would like to know more about our biblical worldview, please visit our worldview page for details.
Confidentiality and Counseling Approach
Your counselor will explain the confidentiality of your sessions, ensuring you understand that what you share will be kept private. He or she will also outline the approach to counseling you can expect, which might include specific techniques, therapeutic strategies, or the incorporation of prayer and scripture if that aligns with your comfort level. For more details on confidentiality, you can view our Ethics and HIPAA Statement here.
Assessment and Planning
Expect an initial assessment where the counselor gathers information about your background, mental health, and personal history. This helps them gain a comprehensive understanding of your situation. Together, you will start to outline a plan for addressing your concerns, which may involve setting goals and discussing practical steps for improvement. The treatment plan will serve as the roadmap for meeting your goals.
Open Communication
Throughout the first session (and every session), you’ll be encouraged to communicate openly. Your counselor will listen attentively and offer insights and guidance based on your discussion. This open dialogue is crucial for building a strong therapeutic relationship and achieving your counseling goals.
Getting Started
If you have any other questions, please free to contact us. Please feel free to fill out our online form to request an appointment or call our office at (440) 370-3007 to start the process.
